RECAP:
MAAIP Launch Event!
Wed, Oct 16, 2024
RBC Convention Centre
We hosted the Manitoba Association of AI Professionals’ (MAAIP) launch event, which showcased AI innovation in Manitoba.
Nearly 200 attendees connected with AI professionals, researchers, and industry leaders as they explored how AI is transforming industries.
The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing valuable insights from top experts on Manitoba’s AI breakthroughs and challenges.
AGENDA
Event Recap
Building Manitoba’s AI Community
The evening began with Gaetan Ruest, our MAAIP board member and emcee, who set the tone with opening remarks about the importance of building a strong AI community. Gaetan emphasized the energy from various sectors and how this momentum will drive AI innovation here in Manitoba.
Our Board Chair, Roy McLaughlin, reflected on the incredible turnout and shared the mission of MAAIP:
“There is so much talent in this room tonight. And that is the point of MAAIP—bringing like-minded individuals together to share ideas, learn from each other, and work towards the common goal of making Manitoba an AI hub.”
Roy also thanked the hardworking MAAIP board members, whose dedication made this event a reality.
Keynote
Stephanie Pace
AI/ML Global Practice Director
Quantiphi
The Future of AI
Stephanie Pace focused on the transformative potential of generative AI. She highlighted the incredible 3,000% growth predicted in the generative AI market, emphasizing the importance of building responsible AI systems.
Her call to action for businesses? Prioritize fairness, transparency, and security as they adopt AI.
Panel Discussion
Shaping AI in Manitoba
The panel discussion focused on how AI is shaping various industries in Manitoba, the role of government policies in fostering AI innovation, and the challenges and opportunities Manitoba faces in AI application.
This 45-minute session was led by MAAIP board member Loretta Kulchycki.
Loretta Kulchycki
SVP, Product, AI & Digital Strategy
Canada Life
Tyler Gooch
Director of Innovation and Technology
City of Winnipeg
Tyler Gooch discussed how the city is becoming a North American leader in open data, which is key to AI development.
“Open the data, and the AI will come. We’re already seeing it happen, and it’s setting Winnipeg apart as a leader in public sector AI adoption.”
Jacqueline Keena
Managing Director
EMILI
Jacqueline Keena shared how AI is revolutionizing agriculture in Manitoba.
“AI is transforming the entire value chain, from crop insurance to marketing. The potential is enormous, and Manitoba is at the forefront of this transformation.”
David Gerhard
Department Head Computer Science
University of Manitoba
David Gerhard highlighted the role of education in preparing future AI practitioners and stressed the importance of ethical AI.
“AI isn’t just about optimizing processes. We need to ensure it’s applied equitably and ethically, addressing concerns around privacy, bias, and accessibility.”
Jeff Fettes
CEO / Founder
Laivly
Jeff Fettes shared how AI is changing the business landscape, especially in customer service.
“The companies that succeed with AI aren’t the ones trying to overhaul everything at once. They’re the ones red-circling two or three impactful areas, implementing AI, banking those wins, and then moving forward.”
Audience Engagement: Lively Q&A
After the panel, we opened the floor for an engaging Q&A session. Questions came from both the audience in the room and through QR code submissions. The conversation ranged from the ethical challenges of AI to practical ways businesses can start implementing AI today.
A Successful Beginning
The event concluded with Gaetan Ruest thanking everyone for making the evening such a success.
“Your enthusiasm and commitment tonight show that Manitoba is ready to embrace the AI revolution. We’re just getting started, and the future looks bright!”
As we continue to grow MAAIP, you can expect more events like this, where we’ll keep building the AI community in Manitoba and working together to shape the future of AI.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited for what’s to come. Keep an eye out for more opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate as we grow the AI ecosystem here in Manitoba. Sign up for a professional membership to access the latest events and opportunities.
Special Thanks to Our Event Volunteers
We couldn’t have pulled off this event without the support of our amazing volunteers:
- Alexandra Blinder
- Sanchit Shangari
- Daniel Krutikov
- Slava Blinder
- Alexandra Kovlev, our event photographer
Explore Future Sponsorship Opportunities
Connect with us at [email protected]